NEWMAN  — The Newman City Council is expected to take up a proposed update to its citywide personnel rules on Tuesday, marking the first comprehensive revision to the policies in more than a decade.

The recommendation would amend the city’s rules and regulations governing its merit-based personnel system. Originally adopted in 1976, the personnel rules provide the framework for hiring, evaluating, disciplining, and managing city employees, while ensuring compliance with state and federal labor laws.

City staff, working in coordination with legal counsel recommended by the city’s risk management association, conducted a full review of the existing rules to reflect recent changes in employment law. The last significant update occurred in 2010, with a minor amendment in 2014 addressing stand-by pay for non-police personnel.

The revised draft was shared with all three of the city’s bargaining groups, and a joint meeting was held to gather feedback. Following the meeting, staff made minor adjustments based on comments received. Two of the three bargaining groups later confirmed their acceptance of the proposed changes.

According to city officials, the update is designed to enhance transparency, ensure legal compliance, and reduce the city’s exposure to potential litigation. While the revision carries no direct fiscal impact, it aligns the city’s personnel policies with current standards under the California Government Code, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), and federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

If approved, the updated rules will provide a more structured and legally sound approach to managing Newman’s public workforce. The council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening at City Hall.